Connecting Remote Workers

What’s the idea?

Jane proposed the innovation of a virtual office for remote workers.

This innovation could revolve around a series of webcams positioned around the organisation, with various social touch points connected to them. But rather than being visible to the public like the Sagemeister & Walsh webcams (shown below), the visuals would be private, with access enabled only for the organisation’s employees.

The interface could host a diverse selection of social touch points such as ‘what we’re listening to’, a white board, and audible chat or text options, allowing for a high level of cross-organisation interaction just as we’re used to in the real world.

We also discussed the prospect of having the ability to move conversations around the office (a bit like moving music through your home with Sonos, for example), again allowing more room for involvement and connectivity.

How could it enhance organisations?

Because remote workers spend little time with their colleagues in headquarters, such technology would make them feel more connected, involved, and included – like they were a key part of the organisation regardless of their location.

This would give remote workers a more tangible connection to the organisation, and allow them to keep up-to-speed in real-time with what’s happening within it. It would simulate the feeling of them actually being there, effectively removing locational barriers.